Strauss & co - 19 November 2015, Johannesburg

EDUCATION ENDOWMENT AUCTION 46 90 HELEN (MMAKGABO MAPULA) SEBIDI SOUTH AFRICAN 1943– Music in Difficulties signed, dated 2005, numbered E/B 5/5, inscribed with the title in pencil and embossed with the Artist Proof Studio chop mark drypoint and monotype sheet size: 78 by 106,5 cm; image size: 57 by 75 cm R18 000 – 24 000 Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi was born in 1943 in Marapyane (Skilpadfontein), in the Hammanskraal area of the Northern Transvaal. Sebidi’s work is strongly influenced by her traditional rural upbringing and culture. In the 1970’s Sebidi studied informally under John Koenakeefe Mohl before returning home to Marapyane. She continued to paint and kept in contact with Mohl during this time. Throughout the 1980’s Sebidi travelled between Johannesburg and Marapyane until the late 1980’s when she moved to Johannesburg and learned pottery at the Katlehong Art Centre. Under the mentorship of Bill Ainslie, she worked at the Johannesburg Art Foundation and the Khulu Udweba Art teacher’s project at Funda. In the 1990’s she established herself as an artist after receiving a Fullbright Scholarship. She has since travelled and exhibited extensively around Europe and the United States. The South African Government bestowed Sebidi with the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2004 for her excellent contribution to the field of visual and traditional arts and craft. Sebidi is a founding member of Artist Proof Studio where she joined in 1992, and has mentored many young artists over the years.